Erik S.

Fisk
Whitfield and Eddy, P.L.C.
699 Walnut Street, Suite 2000, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 515-288-6041,
fisk@whitfieldlaw.com
Erik S. Fisk 2013

Re: Detailed Interview Overview, Proper and Improper Questions

1. Overview of initial interview:

a. Provide information on organization and position

b. Ask questions about the candidates resume and cover letter
c. Ask more general questions about the candidate as an employee
d. Allow the applicant to ask questions about the job, the organization, etc.
e. Review the candidates references
f. Let the candidate know what comes nextreference checks, callbacks, etc.
g. End the interview on a formal notestand and shake hands.

2. Overview of callback interview:

a. Ask supervisor to talk about the supervisors experience and background,

expectations, work style, management style, etc. Let the candidate know
what to expect.
b. Ask candidate to comment on his or her ability to meet the supervisors
expectations.
c. Let the candidate know what comes nextbackground checks, offer, etc.
d. End the interview on a formal notestand and shake hands.

Basics
3. NAME: Proper- Other names under which the applicant has worked in order to
check educational or employee references. Improper- Former name of applicant
whose name has been changed by court order, maiden name of a married woman,
former name which would indicate ancestry, religion, or national origin.

4. NATIONAL ORIGIN: Proper- ONLY LEGITIMATE CONCERN is eligibility to

work in the United States; Are you EITHER a U.S. Citizen or an alien authorized
to work in the U.S.? Improper- Birthplace, national origin, ancestry or lineage of
applicant, applicants parents, or applicants spouse.

5. CITIZENSHIP: Proper- Questions regarding the terms of a visa. Improper- Direct

inquiries as to the country of citizenship of the applicant, spouse, or relatives;
requirement that the applicant produce nationalization papers.

6. ADDRESS/RESIDENCE: Proper- Location/length of time at current and previous

addresses; duration of residence in United States, California, or local city.
 Improper- Specific inquiry into foreign address which would indicate national
origin.

7. AGE: Proper- Requirement that minor state age and submit proof thereof.
Improper- Age screening which tends to preclude persons over 40 years of age.

8. BIRTHPLACE- Proper- Asking whether a birth certificate or other proof of

United States citizenship can be submitted. Improper- Asking questions about
birthplace of applicants spouse or relatives.

9. I-9S: Proper- All information required in Section I, including birth date.

Improper- May NOT say which IDs youll accept; IF Alien number or
Admissions number is recorded by applicant, you may NOT ask to see the
document.

10. MILITARY: Proper- You may ONLY ASK about experience or training.
Improper- Type of discharge (unless you have a very good business reason for
doing so) or general military service or for discharge papers.

11. RELIGION/CREED: Proper- Work days/hour may be discussed to avoid possible

conflict with religious or other personal convictions (e.g. available to work on
weekends) Improper- Frequency of attendance at the house of worship or any
inquiry which indicates or identifies religious denomination.

12. CREDIT/ FINANCES: Proper- NONE - Unless job related. Improper- Inquires
about charge/bank accounts, garnishments, etc.

13. WORKERS COMP: Proper- NONE. Improper- Any inquiry into past workers
comp compensation claims.

Family
14. CHILD CARE: Proper- NONE- unless asked of ALL applicants (even may be
sketchy then). Improper- Inquiring only of female applicants as to child care
arrangements.

15. RELATIVES/FRIENDS: Proper- Names of relatives or friends already working

for company or competitor BUT you MAY NOT give preference if women and
minorities are underrepresented in your workforce. Improper- Names of friends
already working got the company, or relatives OTHER THAN those working for
the company.

16. SEX/MARITAL STATUS: Proper- Inquiry is only permissible if it represents a

bona fide occupational qualification (e.g., family responsibilities interfering with
travel, unusual hours of employment). Improper- Sex, marital status, dependents,
 child care arrangements or specific inquiries concerning spouses employment or
salary.

Physical Characteristics
17. HANDICAP/DISABILITY: Proper- NOTHING- NO EXCEPTIONS due to
ADA. Improper- Inquires as to receipt of workers comp or general inquires of
health conditions not relate to reasonable fitness to perform the job. ALL
QUESTIONS AS TO MEDICAL HISTORY and ANY RELATED MATTERS
and any questions on physical condition of family members.

18. PHYSICAL LIMITS: Proper- Whether applicant has the ABILITY to PERFORM
job related functions. Improper- Whether the applicant is handicapped or
nature/severity of handicap.
19. HEIGHT/ WEIGHT: Proper- NOTHING - unless bona fide occupational
qualification. Improper- Any inquiry into height or weight of applicant except
where it is a bona fide occupational qualification.
20. PREGNANCY: Proper- NONE. Improper- Any inquiry into pregnancy, medical
history of pregnancy, or family plans.
21. RACE/COLOR: Proper- NOTHING; NO EXCEPTIONS due to EEOC and ADA.
Improper- Color of applicants skin, eyes, hair, height, or other items not relevant
to job; also including physical characteristics such as scars or any other
distinguishing physical characteristics.

Getting Acquainted
22. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
23. What do you enjoy doing off the job? In your spare time?
24. Are you a leader, an entrepreneur, a creative, a team player? Why?
25. What have been the principal influences on your life?
26. Who are the most important people to you? Why?
27. How would your boss/subordinates/coworkers/classmates/best friend describe
you?
28. You have three minutes. Sell yourself to me.
29. How would you describe yourself?
30. Why do your friends like you and why do those who are not your friends dislike
you?
31. Would you say that you have a competitive nature? If so, how did this quality
manifest itself in the jobs youve held? Where did it get you?
32. Who in the business world has served as your source of inspiration? In what
ways has this guided you?

Self Improvement/ Motivation/ Goals

33. What are you doing now to improve yourself?
34. Where do you see yourself and your career in three years?
35. What motivates you?
36. How have your aspirations changed in the last few years?
37. Where would you like to be in five years? Ten?
38. What motivates you to perform at your best in a job?
39. Tell me about a goal that you set that you did not reach. What steps did you take?
What obstacles did you encounter? How did it make you feel?
40. Whats your idea of success?
41. Tell me about yourself.

Computer Skills
42. How many words per minutes can you type?
43. Experience with Microsoft Word? Could you explain in detail your experience
with Microsoft Excel/Access/etc. computer software programs?
44. How would you compare your technical skills to your interpersonal skills?

Resume
45. LANGUAGE: Proper- Language applicant speaks or writes fluently IF JOB
RELATED. Improper- Applicants mothers tongue, language used at home, or
how acquired ability to read, write, or speak a foreign language.
46. EXPERIENCE: Proper- All contact information, dates of employment,
compensation, duties, responsibilities, reasons for leaving.
47. ORGANIZATIONS: Proper- Inquires into any union, professional, service or
trade organization that DOES NOT denote race, religion, national origin.
Improper- No clubs, societies, fraternities, or social groups, lodges, which denote
race, religion, national origin.
48. PHOTOGRAPH: Proper- May be required ONLY AFTER hiring for
identification purposes. Improper- Requirement that applicant affix photograph to
application or resume PRIOR to hire, whether optional or not.
49. Why did you leave each of your jobs?
50. I see youve been unemployed for the past ___ months. Why did you leave your
last job, and what have you been doing since then?
51. Why did you choose the jobs you have held?
52. How do you feel about your career to date?
53. Explain all gaps in employment.
54. Explain reason for leaving each previous position and reason for wanting to make
a change now. If left previous job for a better opportunity, were you recruited
away? Or were you looking? If you were looking, why were you dissatisfied?

References
55. REFERENCES: Proper- You may check all work/personal references
PROVIDED you have an AUTHORIZATION from the applicant - BE SURE IT
IS SIGNED. Improper- Illegal check without authorization- DO NOT ASK for
name of pastor or religious leader
56. Will you provide us with professional references?

Education
57. EDUCATION: Proper- Training an applicant has received IF related to the job
applied for. Improper- Education attainment unless validation that having certain
 backgrounds is necessary to perform the functions of the job or position applied
for.
58. Why did you choose to attend school at ____ ? Would you make the same choice
today?
59. Resume includes no references to education. Why not?
60. What was your GPA?

Accomplishment/Failure
61. Tell me about one of your failures.
62. Tell me about your proudest accomplishments.
63. What are three of your greatest strengths as an employee?
64. What is an area in which you would like to improve as an employee?
65. Why do you think people succeed? Fail?
66. Describe a project or idea that was implemented primarily because of your efforts.
What was your role? What was the outcome?
67. What great things would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?
68. If you have introduced any innovations in your last few jobs, how did they work
out? Have your efforts been acknowledged and duly rewarded?
69. Whats the nicest thing youve ever done in your life of which you are justifiably
proud? What, if anything, have you done that you regret?
70. What has been your biggest success? What has been your biggest
disappointment?

Planning and Organizing

71. How would you assess your organizational skills? Give some examples.
72. How do you organize and plan for major projects?

Creativity
73. How creative a problem solver are you?
74. Tell me about a problem that youve solved in a unique or unusual way. What
was the outcome? Were you happy or satisfied with it?

Pressure
75. Describe how you work under pressure, deadlines, etc.
76. How do you relieve everyday tensions?
77. Give me an example of a stressful situation you were in and how you handled it.
78. What were the biggest pressures on you in your last job?

Decision Making
79. Can you tell me about an important decision you made and how you arrived at it?
80. What have you done that shows initiative? Give examples.
81. What is the biggest mistake you can recall making?
82. Looking back, what mistakes do you regret making that you might have averted
had you exercised greater foresight?
83. Do you have any difficulty making a decision? And once having made it, do you
stick to it, regardless?
84. How did you handle the toughest decision you ever had to make, personally or on
the job?

Integrity/ Character
85. ARRESTS/CHARACTER: Proper- CONVICTION of FELONY. Improper-
Anything relating to arrests; court or conviction records are not substantially
related to functions and responsibilities of employment. The applicant MAY
OMIT any conviction or prison release which occurred more than 7 yrs. prior to
date of inquiry.
86. Give a specific example of a policy you conformed to with which you did not
agree. Why?
87. Tell me about a business situation in which you felt honesty was inappropriate.
Why? What did you do?
88. Would you lie to protect the company? (Candidate should answer no.)
89. Do you consider yourself to be a person of high integrity?
90. Do you ever tell white lies?

Conflict Resolution
91. What does it take for you to lose your temper?
92. How do you handle conflict? Can you give me an example of how you handled a
workplace conflict in the past?
93. How did you relate with others at work?
94. Do you prefer working with others or by yourself?
95. What types of people seem to irritate you?
96. Tell me about a time when you worked with a classmate or colleague who was
not doing their share of the work. How did you handle it?
97. Give me another example of a time when you were able to successfully
communicate with another person even when that individual may not have
personally liked you (or vice versa). How did you handle the situation? What
obstacles or difficulties did you face? How did you deal with them?
98. Tell me about a situation in which you have had to adjust to changes over which
you had no control. How did you handle it?
99. Do you have the courage when necessary to take issue with your superior or a
member of you department in presenting an opposing point of view? How do you
do that?
100. What plan of action do you take when facing a tough problem?
101. What type of people do you have no patience for?
102. How do you respond to change in the workplace?
103. What was the most difficult workplace change to which you had to adjust?

Criticism
104. Describe a time when you were criticized for poor performance.
105. What constructive criticism have you had from others?
106. How do you react to criticism by superiors, if in your judgment the criticism is
unwarranted?
 Ideal Position
107. What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
108. If you could write your ideal job description, what would it be?
109. In what type of position are you most interested?
110. How do you feel about routine work?
111. Did you ever work overtime? How did you feel about it?

Previous Job
112. What features of your previous jobs did you like? What features of your
previous jobs did you dislike?
113. Which of your previous jobs has been the most difficult? Why?
114. In your most recent position, what contribution do you feel you made and how
did it affect the company? What have you done to make you stand out from your
peers? What have you done that has resulted in actual cost savings?
115. Name four things you accomplished for your most recent employer.
116. What is your off-the-cuff impression of the company you worked for last?
117. Would you recommend your last place of employment to others?

Attendance
118. Have you ever had any problems with attendance?

Supervisor
119. Describe the worst supervisor you have ever had.
120. Describe the best supervisor you have ever had.
121. Describe your ideal supervisor.
122. Describe your relationships with your last two supervisors.
123. As a supervisor, would it bother you to fire an employee with good reason?
What, for example, might some of the proper reasons be.
124. What experience have you had in supervising people whose technical know-how
exceeded yours?

Value to Employer
125. Tell me some of the qualities that you think distinguish an exceptional
employee.
126. What personal skills do you bring to your work which would be an asset to the
working relationships at our organization?
127. What sets you apart from your peers?
128. What makes you a good investment for an employer?
129. What makes you qualified for this position?
130. I have a stack here of ____ resumes. Tell me why I should choose you.
131. If you are the candidate we choose, tell me what you want to accomplish for our
organization in 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years. (This is a question to
find out if the candidate is concerned more with what the organization can do for
them, or what they can do for the organization.)
132. In what specific ways will our company benefit from hiring you?
 Company Interest
133. What do you know about this organization and why do you want to work here?
134. What facts about our organization are most important to you?
135. What have you learned about our organization from others with whom you have
spoken? Are there any remaining questions that I might clarify?
136. How do you judge a company when you are looking for a job?
137. How do you evaluate a business/potential employer?
138. Given your background in (a different field), why to you want to be a (position)?
139. What other companies are you interviewing with?
140. Why are you interested in this industry? This company?
141. Tell me why you think the lifestyle of this job is right for you.
142. Make a comparison between our organization and the others you are
considering.
143. What is your idea of how our industry operates?
144. What job in our company do you want to work toward?
145. Why do you think you would like to work for us?
146. What criteria are you using to choose your next position?
147. What major trends do you foresee in business for the next 3 to 5 years?

Potential Hiring Questions

148. What do you think is a fair salary?
149. What will you do if your present employer makes you a counter offer?
150. Do you have any other offers or interviews pending? Where?
151. What are your salary expectations?
152. When can you start after youve been notified youve been given a position?

NOTE: Please remember this is a general content guide only and, unless you and I have
met face to face and discussed your unique situation, it is not and cannot be relied upon
as legal advice.